U.S. government: Medical, search and rescue help is on the way to Haiti

The USS Carl Vinson is expected to arrive off the coast of Haiti today. /AP

Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, said doctors, nurses, medics, EMS specialists and others are now traveling to Haiti to care for the injured.
Meanwhile, the CDC is sending experts to assess the extent of damage to water and food supplies.
“Our on-the-ground medical teams will be traveling with medicine, medical supplies and equipment to help save lives during the critical post-earthquake timeframe,” Sebelius said in a statement sent out this morning.

Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson is headed toward Haiti, due to arrive later today. The U.S. Southcom is considering sending an amphibious ship with 2,000 U.S. Marines to help maintain security, said Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser. Also, the 82nd Airborne Division brigade and other forces have been put on alert to support the effort if needed, he said. Yesterday, two C-130s sent civilian search-and-rescue teams along with military engineers, planners and communication specialists.

The USS Carl Vinson was picking up humanitarian supplies and helicopters from Mayport, FL on its journey to Haiti, Fraser said. Fraser said he had not ruled out deployment of the hospital ship USS Comfort, but said the amphibious ship could provide much of the same medical assistance.